The month of December 2024 is bringing remarkable astronomical events. Mars continues to dazzle in the night sky as it brightens steadily, reaching a magnitude of -1.2 by the end of the month. On December 18, a stunning alignment will occur as a waning gibbous Moon comes within 0.9° of Mars, offering a beautiful sight for stargazers. Meanwhile, the Geminid meteor shower, peaking on December 13-14, will be accompanied by bright moonlight, which may hinder visibility of the meteors but adds to the celestial drama.
Additionally, Jupiter’s moons will present multiple shadow transits and occultations, with key events involving Io, Europa, and Ganymede scattered throughout the month. These celestial dances can be best observed with a telescope.
Mercury makes a graceful appearance in the morning sky after its conjunction on December 5, reaching its greatest western elongation on December 26. By the 28th, Mercury will rise alongside a waning crescent Moon, a spectacle worth waking up early to witness.
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